Week Twenty

National Scene    6/9-6/16/2009

By Linnie Frank Bailey

Health care reform continues to be front and center on the President’s radar screen, and this week he went to somewhat hostile territory—the annual conference of the American Medical Association—to pitch his ideas.  The Administration continues to address America’s economic situation, while keeping abreast of troubling events abroad, particularly North Korea’s nuclear threats, and the disputed election in Iran.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Banks Return Bailout Funds:  “A Positive Sign”

The Administration announced that several of the financial institutions, which received bailouts from the federal government, are ready to repay the funds.  While acknowledging that the economic crisis is by no means over, the President applauded the return of the funds, saying, “Several financial institutions are set to pay back $68 billion to taxpayers.  And while we know that we will not escape the worst financial crisis in decades without some losses to taxpayers, it’s worth noting that in the first round of repayments from these companies the government has actually turned a profit.”

Obama went on to say, “This is not a sign that our troubles are over -- far from it….But it is a positive sign.  We’re seeing an initial return on a few of these investments.  We’re restoring funds to the Treasury where they’ll be available to safeguard against continuing risks to financial stability.  And as this money is returned, we’ll see our national debt lessened by $68 billion -- billions of dollars that this generation will not have to borrow and future generations will not have to repay.”

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

President Comments on Holocaust Museum Shooting

President Obama issued the following comment on the shooting at the National Holocaust Museum, where African-American security guard Stephen Johns was killed by an alleged white supremacist: “I am shocked and saddened by today’s shooting at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. This outrageous act reminds us that we must remain vigilant against anti-Semitism and prejudice in all its forms. No American institution is more important to this effort than the Holocaust Museum, and no act of violence will diminish our determination to honor those who were lost by building a more peaceful and tolerant world.  Today, we have lost a courageous security guard who stood watch at this place of solemn remembrance. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this painful time.”

Thursday, June 11, 2009

The President Hits the Road for Health Care Reform

President Obama spoke at a town hall meeting on health care reform at Southwest High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  The President continued to drive home his vision for health care reform, which includes what the Administration calls three core principles:

• Reduce costs — Rising health care costs are crushing the budgets of governments, businesses, individuals, and families, and they must be brought under control.
• Guarantee choice — Every American must have the freedom to choose their plan and doctor – including the choice of a public insurance option.
• Ensure quality care for all — All Americans must have quality and affordable health care.

Obama went outside the beltway to bring his position to the American people, however he has made it clear to lawmakers in Washington that he expects legislation on this issue to be on his desk this year.

Friday, June 12, 2009

United Nations Sanctions North Korea’s Nuclear Testing

UN Ambassador Susan Rice, (the first African-American female to hold the post), joined world leaders in condemning recent actions by North Korea and imposing sanctions against the country.  She described the unanimous resolution as “a very robust, tough regime with teeth that will bite North Korea.”  Secretary Rice continued, “It would be unwise for the United States or other members of the Security Council to fail to take strong action in response to a very provocative and illegal action on the part of North Korea out of concern that they may take strong action.  I mean, the point is that we needed to demonstrate -- and today we have demonstrated -- that provocative, reckless actions come at a cost and that North Korea will pay a price for its actions.”

Obama Meets with Zimbabwe's Prime Minister

President Obama met with the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai, and discussed humanitarian aid to the country. Tsvangirai shares the leadership of Zimbabwe with President Robert Mugabe, who has been in power almost 30 years. Obama addressed human rights concerns over Mugabe’s leadership saying, “President Mugabe has not acted oftentimes in the best interest of the Zimbabwean people and has been resistant to the kinds of democratic changes that need to take place…I've committed $73 million in assistance to Zimbabwe. It will not be going to the government directly because we continue to be concerned about consolidating democracy, human rights, and rule of law, but it will be going directly to the people in Zimbabwe and I think can be of assistance to the Prime Minister in his efforts.”

Monday, June 15, 2009

Obama Addresses Doctor’s Group

President Obama took his health care vision directly to one of the special interest groups most associated with health care – the American Medical Association.  The group warmly received the President although some bristled at his suggestion of not reducing malpractice payments to deserving beneficiaries.   There was general agreement however on his description of what will happen if we fail to act on health care reform. Obama stated,

“If we fail to act -- and you know this because you see it in your own individual practices -- if we fail to act, premiums will climb higher, benefits will erode further, the rolls of the uninsured will swell to include millions more Americans -- all of which will affect your practice. If we fail to act, one out of every five dollars we earn will be spent on health care within a decade.  And if we fail to act, federal spending on Medicaid and Medicare will grow over the coming decades by an amount almost equal to the amount our government currently spends on our nation's defense.  It will, in fact, eventually grow larger than what our government spends on anything else today.  So to say it as plainly as I can, health care is the single most important thing we can do for America's long-term fiscal health.  That is a fact.  That's a fact.”

The President suggested reforming the way doctors and hospitals are compensated, telling the doctors,

“We need to bundle payments so you aren’t paid for every single treatment you offer a patient with a chronic condition like diabetes, but instead paid well for how you treat the overall disease. We need to create incentives for physicians to team up, because we know that when that happens, it results in a healthier patient. We need to give doctors bonuses for good health outcomes, so we’re not promoting just more treatment, but better care.  So one thing we need to do is to figure out what works, and encourage rapid implementation of what works into your practices. That's why we're making a major investment in research to identify the best treatments for a variety of ailments and conditions.”

President Obama concluded by asking for unity in reforming the health care system, reminding the providers, “We are not a nation that accepts nearly 46 million uninsured men, women and children.”

The White House Jazz Studio

First Lady Michelle Obama, hosted both jazz greats and students of jazz at what was called, “The White House Jazz Studio.”  Invited performers included jazz greats Paquito D’Rivera, Zach Brown, Kush Abadey, Elijah Easton, and child protégé Tony Madruga. Jazz students from across the country, many from New Orleans, participated in the event.

Election Violence in Iran

As the world watches the reaction to the election in Iran, America’s President reassured the nation by saying he is deeply troubled by the “violence perpetrated on people who are peacefully dissenting.” However, he made it clear, “It is up to Iranians to make decisions about who Iran's leaders will be; we respect Iranian sovereignty and want to avoid the United States being the issue inside of Iran….having said all that, I am deeply troubled by the violence that I've been seeing on television.  I think that the democratic process -- free speech, the ability of people to peacefully dissent -- all those are universal values and need to be respected.  And whenever I see violence, and whenever the American people see that, I think they're, rightfully, troubled.”

Obama said the United States will “continue to pursue a tough, direct dialogue between our two countries, and we'll see where it takes us.” 

Week Nineteen

National Scene    6/2-6/9/2009

By Linnie Frank Bailey

During his 2008 campaign, candidate Obama described a speech he would one day present to the Muslim world if he became President.  This week, in Cairo, Egypt, President Barack Obama delivered that speech. From Cairo University, the President used his outstanding communication skills—and his ability to bridge cultural divides—to speak of a ‘new beginning’ between Americans and Muslims. He addressed the world’s 1.5 billion followers of Islam and received positive responses from Muslims around the globe.

Obama also got tough on the economy this week….instructing his Cabinet to move faster with Recovery Act funds, and signaling the urgency of health care reform legislation to Senate leaders.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Obama Rolls-Up-His-Sleeves for Health Care Reform

On the other hand, maybe we should say—the President is putting on his boxing gloves for what is sure to be a battle to get health care reform passed this year. In a meeting with lawmakers,  Obama expressed the importance of health care reform stating, “We can't afford to put this off, and the dedicated public servants who are gathered here today understand that and they are ready to get going, and this window between now and the August recess I think is going to be the make-or-break period.  This is the time where we've got to get this running.”

In a letter addressed to Senators Ted Kennedy and Max Baucus, the Chairmen of the key committees in the Senate handling health care reform, the President made clear that, “in 2009, health care reform is not a luxury.”  He went on to describe the urgency of the situation by stating:

“It’s a necessity we cannot defer. Soaring health care costs make our current course unsustainable. It is unsustainable for our families, whose spiraling premiums and out-of-pocket expenses are pushing them into bankruptcy and forcing them to go without the checkups and prescriptions they need. It is unsustainable for businesses, forcing more and more of them to choose between keeping their doors open or covering their workers….In short, the status quo is broken, and pouring money into a broken system only perpetuates its inefficiencies. Doing nothing would only put our entire health care system at risk. Without meaningful reform, one fifth of our economy is projected to be tied up in our health care system in 10 years; millions more Americans are expected to go without insurance; and outside of what they are receiving for health care, workers are projected to see their take-home pay actually fall over time. We simply cannot afford to postpone health care reform any longer.”

First Lady Speaks to Graduates at DC High School

Stating she wanted to speak at a Washington, D.C. public school to celebrate the achievements of young people in her new hometown, First Lady Michelle Obama gave the commencement address to graduating seniors at the Washington Math and Science Technology Public Charter High School. The well-respected school has a 99% graduation rate and Mrs. Obama told the graduates not to be intimidated when they go to college, reminding them:

“It is natural for graduates to doubt themselves and question their abilities when they first set foot onto their new college campuses. When you set foot on the soil of whatever campus that has admitted you, understand that you are responsible for your own experiences.  So what I want you to do is ‘own’ your voice.  Own it.  Don't be intimidated by your new surroundings.   Remember, everyone else is in the same position that you’re in.  Be an engaged and active participant in all of your classes.  Never, ever sit in silence, ever.  That first day, raise your hand, use your voice, ask a question.  Don't be afraid to be wrong, don’t be afraid to sound unclear, because understand this is the only way you’ll learn.”

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Obama Speaks to Muslim World from Cairo, Egypt

In a major speech, addressed to Muslims around the world, President Obama signaled a new beginning of relations between the US and Muslim countries. Starting with the customary Muslim greeting ‘Assalaamu’alaykun’, Obama’s well-received talk was part introduction to his background (“I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.”); part history lesson (he described the mistrust that has grown over the years between the U.S. and Muslim countries);  part religious discourse (he quoted from the Quran, the Talmud and the Bible), and part policy speech (he spoke of the current hot-spots in the middle east and his administration’s approach to the region, and also addressed women’s rights in Islamic nations.)

During the speech, President Obama pointed out the commonalities of our cultures and our religion—and cautioned, “Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. ... We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum: ‘Out of many, one.’”

Muslims from around the world praised the speech and the respect showed to their culture.  The crowd at Cairo University gave the President cheers and a standing ovation at the conclusion of his speech.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Obama Visits Buchenwald Concentration Camp

The President visited German Chancellor Angela Merkel at Dresden Castle in Germany and toured the Church of Our Lady. This was followed by a trip to Buchenwald Concentration Camp, where Bertrand Herz, a survivor of the camp, and Nobel Laureate and fellow holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel, joined them. During the emotional visit at the former camp, the President recounted his great uncle, who was part of the 89th Infantry Division, the first Americans to reach a concentration camp. They liberated Ohrdruf, one of Buchenwald's sub-camps.

Obama described the significance of the visit saying, “We are here today because we know this work is not yet finished. To this day, there are those who insist that the Holocaust never happened -- a denial of fact and truth that is baseless and ignorant and hateful. This place is the ultimate rebuke to such thoughts; a reminder of our duty to confront those who would tell lies about our history.”

Saturday, June 6, 2009

President Attends D-Day Remembrance

President Barack Obama spoke during a ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the Allied D-Day landings in Normandy at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville sur Mer in Western France. Addressing the few remaining D-Day veterans who were also present, the President stated, “It came down to the men who landed here -- those who now rest in this place for eternity, and those who are with us here today.  Perhaps more than any other reason, you, the veterans of that landing, are why we still remember what happened on D-Day.  You're why we keep coming back. For you remind us that in the end, human destiny is not determined by forces beyond our control.  You remind us that our future is not shaped by mere chance or circumstance.  Our history has always been the sum total of the choices made and the actions taken by each individual man and woman.  It has always been up to us.”

The President was joined by the First Lady and foreign leaders, including: Britain's Prince Charles, Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper and France's President Nicolas Sarkozy.

President and First Lady Enjoy Dinner in France

While in France, the President and his wife were spotted dining at a cozy French Bistro.  The restaurant, not lavish by any means, was filled with diners who were ecstatic to be joined by the new American President and his wife.  The following day the President returned to the U.S., while Mrs. Obama and the First Daughters, Malia and Sasha, toured London and France. 

Monday, June 8, 2009

President Accelerates Recovery Act

Citing increasing unemployment numbers, the President summoned his Cabinet and instructed them to move faster in implementing Recovery Act projects across the country. 

The President has made it clear—he wants the Stimulus money to help struggling Americans, and he wants to cut through the bureaucratic red tape that normally slows down federal projects.

Week Eighteen

National Scene    5/27 – 6/1/09

By Linnie Frank Bailey

The Administration began the week addressing right-wing concern over his candidate for the U.S. Supreme Court – Judge Sonia Sotomayor. It is expected that Sotomayor will win confirmation in the Senate, despite the protests.  In other news, the President commented on the bankruptcy of General Motors by assuring Americans a new, stronger GM will emerge.  Still, dealers and autoworkers across the country are awaiting news of plant and dealership closings.  Many African-Americans who work in the auto industry—from mechanics and assembly workers, to dealership owners—have been hard hit by the failure of Chrysler and General Motors.

This week the President heads to Egypt and Saudi Arabia for a major speech on mid-East peace, which will be watched closely by Israel and the Muslim world.  “I want to use the occasion to deliver a broader message about how the United States can change for the better its relationship with the Muslim world,” Obama said of his Egypt speech. “That will require, I think, recognition on both the part of the United States as well as many majority Muslim countries ….a better sense of understanding, and I think possibilities to achieve common ground.”

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The President Visits Los Angeles for Fundraiser

Landing at LAX aboard Air Force One, the President made an evening visit to Southern California to speak at a fundraiser for the DNC held at the Beverly Hills Hotel.  Obama made brief remarks to supporters who paid $1,000 to $2,500, and saw performances by Jennifer Hudson and Earth, Wind, & Fire.  A dinner, hosted by Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg, followed for donors who paid $15,000 and up.

Celebrating Solar Power in Nevada

Earlier in the day, President Obama visited Nellis Air Force Base, in Las Vegas, Nevada to highlight what he called “the largest solar electric plant of its kind in the entire Western Hemisphere!”  Using geothermal and solar energy, the plant is expected to save the United States Air Force (the largest consumer of energy in the federal government), nearly $1 million a year. Addressing Nevada Senator Harry Reid and other officials, Obama concluded, “This base serves as a shining example of what’s possible when we harness the power of clean, renewable energy to build a new, firmer foundation for economic growth.”

While in Nevada, the President also noted the 100^th day since the passage of the Recovery Act, stating, “One hundred days ago, in the midst of the worst economic crisis in half a century, we passed the most sweeping economic recovery act in history -- a plan designed to save jobs, create new ones, and put money in people's pockets. It's a plan designed not only to revive the economy in the short term, but to rebuild the economy over the long term.”

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Palestinian President at the White House

Determined to negotiate a fair and lasting peace in the Middle East, President Obama pressed both sides for action.  While meeting at the White House with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Obama told him, “The Palestinians must find a way to halt the incitement of anti-Israeli sentiments that are sometimes expressed in schools, mosques and public arenas. All those things are impediments to peace.”

Speaking to the other side, Obama called on Israel to halt settlement construction in the West Bank, stating it is part of Israel’s obligations to peace in the area. “I am confident that we can move this process forward,” Obama said after meeting with the Palestinian President.

Israel has signaled it does not intend to halt the construction of settlements in the West Bank; however, the President and Secretary of State Clinton will continue to press for action.

Friday, May 29, 2009

First Lady Visits Young Gardeners

Joined by White House Chef Sam Kass, First Lady Michelle Obama visited D.C.’s Bancroft Elementary School where she discussed the importance of nutritious eating and helped the students tend to their vegetable gardens.  Students from the school have helped Mrs. Obama with the White House garden the past few months.

President to Name Cyber Czar

Signaling a new age, and the importance of technology to America’s security, President Obama announced he will name a new cyber czar to protect the country’s computer networks.  The as-yet-unnamed person will report to the National Security Council as well as to the National Economic Council, and will only be responsible for government systems, not those of private industry.

Calling the appointment a “transformational moment” for the country, Obama discussed the challenges of monitoring the nation’s computer networks, which he says, are probed and attacked millions of times a day. “We’re not as prepared as we should be, as a government or as a country,” he said, calling cyber threats one of the most serious economic and military dangers the nation faces. The President stated that during the campaign season, his own databases were hacked but sensitive data was protected.

Monday, June 1, 2009

The President Addresses the End of an American Icon

Automobile manufacturer General Motors, thought to be one of the bedrock companies of American culture, filed for bankruptcy today, however the President assured us that the company would begin again. Stating that he and his economic team have “a credible plan that is full of promise,” Obama described the new investors in GM, which include the U.S. Government, Canada, and the United Autoworkers Union (UAW).

Stating that American taxpayers will own about 60% of GM, Obama explained, “we’re making these investments not because I want to spend the American people’s tax dollars, but because I want to protect them.” He went on to say the government has no intention to ‘run’ GM, but, “to get GM back on its feet, take a hands-off approach, and get out quickly.”

The President has said repeatedly that it is “vital that the U.S. maintain an auto industry,” and that the action his Administration is taking “will bring about a new GM that can produce the high-quality, safe, and fuel-efficient cars of tomorrow; that can lead America towards an energy independent future; and that is once more a symbol of America's success.” 

Week Seventeen

National Scene    5/19 – 5/26/09

By Linnie Frank Bailey

A busy week for the President as he signed into law major bills designed to, make home refinancing easier; end mortgage fraud; reform credit card policies; and monitor defense procurement. He also met with his economic advisory board to gauge progress, and took on former Vice-President Dick Cheney on national security.  Obama created a couple of “firsts” this week by naming an African-American as his choice to lead NASA, and in a move applauded by Latino activists across the country—nominated a Hispanic woman for the Supreme Court.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

African-American Business Leaders Attend White House Briefing

Senior Obama Advisor Valerie Jarrett hosted a meeting at the White House for over 150 African-American business leaders.  The purpose of the meeting was to lay out the administration’s agenda for the year, and to encourage the leaders to implement the policies in their home areas. The meeting was well attended by MBA’s, with the Harvard Business School’s African-American Alumni Association serving as the lead organizer, and members of the National Black MBA Association in attendance. The group participated in a question-and-answer session with Ms. Jarrett and members of her staff. She stressed that the White House will “always be open” to hearing new ideas.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Obama Meets With Economic Recovery Advisory Board

The President held his first official quarterly meeting with members of his economic advisory board to discuss policy, and the status of the recovery.  Members of the board* include (in alphabetical order):

· Anna Burger, Secretary-Treasurer, SEIU

· John Doerr, Partner, Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers

· William H. Donaldson, Former Chairman, SEC

· Roger W. Ferguson, Jr., President & CEO, TIAA-CREF

· Mark T. Gallogly, Founder & Managing Partner, Centerbridge Partners L.P.

· Austan Goolsbee, Staff Director and Chief Economist

· Jeff Immelt, Chairman and CEO, GE

· Monica C. Lozano, Publisher & Chief Executive Officer, La Opinion

· James W. Owens, Chairman and CEO, Caterpillar Inc.

· Charles E. Phillips, Jr., President, Oracle Corporation

· Penny Pritzker, Chairman & Founder, Pritzker Realty Group

· David F. Swensen, Chief Investment Officer, Yale University

· Richard L. Trumka, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO

· Laura D'Andrea Tyson, Dean, Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley

· Paul Volcker, Chairman

· Robert Wolf, Chairman & CEO, UBS Group Americas
*as listed on whitehouse.gov

President Signs Laws to Help Families

The President signed two pieces of legislation to help cash-strapped families across America.  Obama described the “The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act,” as  “advancing the goals of our existing housing plan by providing assistance to responsible homeowners and preventing avoidable foreclosures….to help families who found themselves “underwater” as a result of declining home values -- families who owed more on their mortgages than their homes are worth.” 

The bill is designed to remove the bureaucratic hurdles that keep eligible families from applying for much needed assistance, including providing homeowners with FHA mortgages the opportunity to refinance to more affordable rates.  Stating, “Any plan is only as effective as the number of people who take advantage of it,” the President encouraged all concerned homeowners to visit the website: MakingHomeAffordable.gov to determine eligibility for new federal programs.

The President also signed the “Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act” into law, which gives the government the tools to crack down on consumer scams, mortgage fraud, and questionable lender policies at all levels. Addressing communities hard hit by consumer and mortgage fraud, the President stressed, “This bill nearly doubles the FBI's mortgage and financial fraud program, allowing it to better target fraud in hard-hit areas.”

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Obama versus Cheney

After being rebuffed by the Senate, which voted against funding to close the controversial base—Guantanamo, the President gave a major foreign policy speech while standing alongside the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. While stating that the protection of the American people will always come first, Obama went on to describe the post 9-11 “season of fear” that caused the country to sway from the values it was founded on. He addressed past policies by saying, “Too many of us -- Democrats and Republicans, politicians, journalists, and citizens -- fell silent. In other words, we went off course.  And this is not my assessment alone.  It was an assessment that was shared by the American people who nominated candidates for President from both major parties who, despite our many differences, called for a new approach -- one that rejected torture and one that recognized the imperative of closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay.”

Following Obama’s speech, former Vice-President Dick Cheney gave an address to the conservative think-tank The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research.  Cheney’s policy speech revisited much of the “neo-conservatism” which gained ground post 9-11, during the first term of the Bush administration.  Following the talk, it was noted by many pundits that although Cheney addressed his national security disagreement to the Obama administration, much of what he argued against had taken place during the second term of the Bush administration—of which he served.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Obama Signs McCain-Supported Law

The President signed the “Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act” to implement defense procurement reform. Designed to review defense project spending, the bill had bi-partisan support, and has been championed as needed legislation for years by former Presidential candidate John McCain.  The President acknowledged his former rival by saying, “Defense procurement reform was one of the issues that John McCain and I discussed in our first meeting after the election.  We pledged to work together to get it done, and today I'm extraordinarily proud to stand here and sign a bill that passed with unanimous support from both parties at every step of the way.”

Obama Greets McCain’s Son at Graduation

Following his signing of the McCain supported defense procurement law; the President joined the McCain family in Annapolis, Maryland where the President spoke at the US Naval Academy Commencement.   Senator McCain’s son—John Sidney McCain IV, commonly known as Jack, became the fourth McCain to graduate from the Naval Academy, and the fourth with the same name.

President Signs Credit-Card Legislation

Describing the need for “common-sense” reforms in the credit-card industry, the President signed a sweeping bill—the “Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009” that he says will:

• Ban unfair rate increases;
• Prevent unfair fee traps;
• Require plain language in plain sight for disclosures;
• Increase accountability all around;
• And institute protections for students and young people.

Furthermore, the President stated, “Because of this new law:

• Statements will be required to tell credit card holders how long it will take to pay off a balance and what it will cost in interest if they only make the minimum monthly payments. 
• We will put a stop to retroactive rate hikes that appear on a bill suddenly with no rhyme or reason.
• Every card company will have to post its credit card agreements online, and we'll monitor those agreements to see if new protections are needed. 
• Consumers will have more time to understand their statements as well:  Companies will have to mail them 21 days before payment is due, not 14. 
• And, this law ends the practice of shifting payment dates.” 

He continued: “Lastly, among many other provisions, there will be no more sudden charges -- changes to terms and conditions.  We require at least 45 days notice if the credit card company is going to change terms and conditions.  So we're not going to give people a free pass; we expect consumers to live within their means and pay what they owe.  But we also expect financial institutions to act with the same sense of responsibility that the American people aspire to in their own lives.”

Monday, May 25, 2009

Obama and Memorial Day

After spending family time at Camp David, the President honored all who have served our country in the military.  Obama participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, and spoke at the cemetery’s amphitheater, saying: “Here lies Presidents and privates; Supreme Court justices and slaves; generals familiar to history, and unknown soldiers known only to God…I laid a wreath at their tomb to pay tribute to all who have given their lives for this country.”

African-American Nominated to Lead NASA

Former Astronaut, and retired Marine Corps Major General, Charles Bolden Jr., was chosen by President Obama to head the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Bolden, has flown on four Shuttle missions and previously served as NASA’s assistant deputy administrator. Once he wins the expected approval of the Senate, Bolden will be the first African-American to lead the agency.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Obama Nominates Hispanic Woman to Supreme Court

President Obama nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court of the United States. Solamayor, of Puerto Rican ancestry, rose from a housing project in the South Bronx, to Princeton and Yale.  She has served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit since October 1998. In describing her amazing story the President said, “Along the way she's faced down barriers, overcome the odds, lived out the American Dream that brought her parents here so long ago.  And even as she has accomplished so much in her life, she has never forgotten where she began, never lost touch with the community that supported her. What Sonia will bring to the Court, then, is not only the knowledge and experience acquired over a course of a brilliant legal career, but the wisdom accumulated from an inspiring life's journey.”

Week Sixteen

National Scene    5/13 – 5/19/09

By Linnie Frank Bailey

Barack and Michelle Obama, as President and First Lady, continue to open the doors of the White House to new cultural experiences.  Fulfilling a campaign pledge to make the White House the “People’s House,” the Obamas hosted the first ever Poetry Jam to celebrate the ‘spoken word.’  The Obamas also participated in news-making graduations this week, with the President giving the commencement address at Notre Dame University, while protestors criticized his pro-choice stance; and Michelle Obama addressing the first graduating class of UC Merced after being wooed there by student letters and cards.

In policy meetings this week, the President made strong statements regarding Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, auto emission controls, and his desire to see healthcare legislation passed this year.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Poetry Jam at the White House

In the East Room of the White House, the President and the First Lady hosted an evening celebrating poetry, music and the spoken word. With a coffeehouse, jazz-club-like, atmosphere – the East Room was transformed for the event with small, candle-laden tables and dim lights.  Speakers and musicians included, Joshua Bennett, Eric Lewis, Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio, Mayda Del Valle, Esperanza Spalding, and James Earl Jones—who gave a mesmerizing speaking performance from “Othello.”

The President and First Lady were joined by the First-Mom-In-Law—Marian Robinson.  Other guests included Spike Lee and his wife, actor Hill Harper, Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, the President’s aide and friend Reggie Love, and students from local colleges, including American University, Gallaudet, Georgetown, and Howard.

“We're here to celebrate the power of words,” President Obama said, adding, “Words help us appreciate beauty and also understand pain. They inspire us to action.” He introduced the first lady as his own poet.  She continued by saying, “I have wanted to do this from day one. It is one thing for people to tell stories in their own space, but it’s something entirely different to tell them in this space.”

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Healthcare Reform This Year

The President met with members of Congress, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, House Education and Labor Committee Chair Rep. George Miller, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Rep. Henry Waxman, and House Ways and Means Committee Chair Rep. Charlie Rangel—to discuss his desire to pass healthcare legislation in the House by July 31, before their August recess.

Calling the meeting encouraging, the President stressed that “urgency and determination” are needed to achieve “what I believe will be historic legislation!” He reiterated his desire to see healthcare reform passed by both the House and the Senate this year, saying, “Whatever plans emerge, both from the House and the Senate, I do believe that they've got to uphold three basic principles:  first, that the rising cost of health care has to be brought down; second, that Americans have to be able to choose their own doctor and their own plan; and third, all Americans have to have quality, affordable health care.”

Friday, May 15, 2009

President and Vice-President Release Personal Financial Disclosures

As required by The Ethics in Government Act of 1978, both President Obama and Vice President Biden released their 2008 financial disclosure reports.  Neither have any conflicts of interest, and their reports have been certified by the independent Office of Government Ethics.  Copies of the reports, which detail assets and income, can be found on the web at the following sites:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/president_278_form_final.pdf

http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/vicepresident_278_form_final.pdf

Protecting the Country Comes First

Stating, "This is the best way to protect our country, while upholding our deeply held values,” President Obama restarted a Bush-era military trial system for a small number of Guantanamo detainees. The military trials, established by President George W. Bush, had been criticized by Obama as ineffective and unnecessary, however in a briefing to reporters indicating a change in plans, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said, “First and foremost, the president does what is in the best security interest of the United States.”

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Obama Gives Commencement Address at Notre Dame

Acknowledging the controversy surrounding his appearance at a Catholic university because of his pro-choice stance, President Obama gave the commencement address at Notre Dame University.   He calmed the crowd, which included a few protesters that had managed to get inside the auditorium, and spoke on the importance of mutual respect for all opinions and finding common ground.

The President reminded the audience, “The question, then…. is how do we work through these conflicts?  Is it possible for us to join hands in common effort?  As citizens of a vibrant and varied democracy, how do we engage in vigorous debate?  How does each of us remain firm in our principles, and fight for what we consider right, without demonizing those with just as strongly held convictions on the other side?”

Michelle Obama Gives Commencement Address at UC Merced

Addressing the first graduating class at the University of California-Merced, the First Lady told the roughly 500 graduates she believed in them and their power to change their community.  UC Merced, the newest campus in the UC System, achieved quite a coup by getting the First Lady to appear at their small, diverse college of students from mostly working class families. 

In February, the students launched a “Dear Michelle” Campaign, which included over 1,000 letters and hand-written Valentine’s cards telling Mrs. Obama what she meant to them, and begging her to speak at their commencement. Mrs. Obama stated she was moved by their effort.

Monday, May 18, 2009

President Meets with Israeli Prime Minister

The President met for over two hours with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel, discussing the need to get back to the negotiating table and restart Palestinian-Israeli peace talks. Netanyahu stated he is ready to resume talks with the Palestinians, but that any agreement is contingent on their acceptance of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. Recapping their meeting, the President stated: “We have seen progress stalled on this front, and I suggested to the prime minister that he has a historic opportunity to get a serious movement on this issue during his tenure….that means that all the parties involved have to take seriously obligations that they have previously agreed to."

The leaders also discussed Iran’s nuclear program and the Administration’s diplomatic outreach to the country, with the president declaring the United States wanted to bring Iran into the world community, however: “We're not going to have talks forever.”

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Joined by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as auto industry executives, President Obama announced new auto emissions and mileage rules designed to combat pollution from greenhouse gasses. The National emissions standard is patterned after policies in California sought by the Governor.  “For the first time in history, we have set in motion a national policy aimed at both increasing gas mileage and decreasing greenhouse gas pollution for all new trucks and cars sold in the United States of America,” President Obama said in remarks from the Rose Garden. 

Week Fifteen

National Scene    5/6 – 5/12/09

By Linnie Frank Bailey

It was a week of significant meetings for President Barack Obama, beginning with a trilateral conference with the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan to discuss stabilizing the region, and ending with a first-of-its-kind coming together of all of the major players involved in healthcare, to discuss reform.  Not to go unnoticed, was an Oval Office chit-chat between Obama, Al Sharpton, and Newt Gingrich to discuss education reform. 

This President is surely building bridges!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Bringing Pakistan and Afghanistan to the Table

The President was joined by Vice-President Joe Biden in a meeting with President Karzai of Afghanistan and President Zardari of Pakistan.  Initially, President Obama met separately with each leader, followed by a trilateral conference.  Pakistan and Afghanistan are considered critical to America’s ‘war on terror’ and the President signaled the importance by saying, “We meet today as three sovereign nations joined by a common goal: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies in Pakistan and Afghanistan…to achieve that goal, we must deny them the space to threaten the Pakistani, Afghan, or American people.”

Obama, who has committed additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan, announced future steps there to: grow the economy, develop alternatives to the country’s drug trade, and support free and open national elections. Addressing internal strife within Pakistan, Obama offered “lasting support to democratic institutions, while helping the government confront the insurgents who are the single greatest threat to the Pakistani state.”

First Lady Attends TIME 100 Gala

First Lady Michelle Obama attended and gave remarks at the TIME 100 Annual Dinner at the Rose Jazz Center in New York City. Honorees were presented with the Time 100 Most Influential People Awards.  The First Lady spoke of the need to nurture a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who will lend their talents towards addressing social problems in communities across America.

Obama Creates ‘Social Innovation Fund’

Fulfilling a campaign pledge to support non-profit programs ‘that work’, the President announced that he would ask Congress in the FY2010 budget to provide $50 million in seed capital for his Social Innovation Fund. The Fund will identify the most promising, results-oriented non-profit programs and expand their reach throughout the country.   Obama has stated repeatedly that “government alone cannot solve our nation’s problems” and that the country must be “innovative” in finding new solutions to old problems.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Cutting Government Waste: Line-by-Line

The Administration continues to review existing Federal spending programs and has suggested more than one-hundred terminations or reductions that take nearly $17 billion off the federal government’s bottom line. While acknowledging that each program has supporters, the Administration has identified some that should not be funded because they either do not accomplish the goals set for them, do not do so efficiently, or do a job already done by another initiative. Some of the programs suggested for elimination include:

• Educational attaché, Paris, France -- $632,000  (The Department of Education can use e-mail, video conferencing, and modest travel to replace a full-time representative to UNESCO in Paris, France.)
• Even Start Program -- $66 million  (The most recent evaluation found no difference between families in the program and those not in it. Strengthening early childhood education is accomplished through significant investments in proven, more effective programs such as Head Start, Early Head Start, and the Early Learning Challenge Fund.)
• Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation -- $1 million  (Due to high overhead, the Foundation would spend only 20 percent of its appropriation on the fellowships it awards.)
• Advanced Earned Income Tax Credit -- $125 million – (This program benefits very few taxpayers, and has an extremely high error rate:  GAO found that 80 percent of recipients did not meet at least one of its requirements.)
• Javits Gifted and Talented Education Program -- $7 million  (Grants from this program go to only 15 school districts nationwide, and there are no empirical measures to judge their effectiveness)
• Public Broadcasting Grants -- $5 million  (USDA made these grants to support rural public broadcasting stations in their conversions to digital broadcasting.  That transition is now almost complete.)
• Rail Line Relocation Grants -- $25 million  (This program, duplicative of a merit-based program, is loaded with earmarks.)

The Administration stresses these steps are part of a larger effort to change how Washington does business and put the nation’s fiscal house in order.

Sharpton, Gingrich, and Obama – Huh?

“You're probably the only President who can make this happen,” the Reverend Al Sharpton told President Obama as he and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich met with the President in the Oval Office. The far-left civil rights activist, and the far-right former House speaker, shared a sofa as they discussed improving education.  Expressing the need for a spotlight on the nation’s educational issues, Obama joked, “these are the two guys who know more than anybody how to get attention.”

The former adversaries were joined by  New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Education Secretary Arne Duncan to discuss ways to bridge the education gap between Black and White students. “We have a crisis of inequality in this nation,” said Sharpton, noting that the problem persists despite the 55th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision.  “There must be a commitment in this country to equal education," he continued. "There can be no sacred cows.”

Gingrich, an advocate of Bush’s No Child Left Behind policy, (which Obama has criticized), chose instead to focus on common ground, stating “The President has stood up for charter schools and he has made it clear that he believes in teacher accountability.”

Some areas where they did come together include: Paying teachers more for improved student performance, getting rid of poorly performing teachers, and ending “social promotion,” the practice of moving underperforming students to the next grade to keep them with their peers.

The National Day of Prayer

The first Thursday in May, was deemed the National Day of Prayer in 1952, however it was not celebrated publicly in the White House until former President George W. Bush  held religious events—with prayers led by religious leaders from various faiths. Unlike his predecessor, President Obama did not hold a White House special event, opting instead to mark the day with a proclamation. His spokesperson, Robert Gibbs commented that the President decided against a public display saying, “Prayer is something that the President does every day.” 

Friday, May 8, 2009

Town Hall in Spanish

President Barack Obama held the first-ever Spanish language town hall meeting to address the Hispanic community's concerns on the impact of the H1N1 virus. The town hall featured Administration officials including Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, and an audience of health care workers, community activists, and concerned citizens. The event was moderated by Univision Anchor Edna Schmidt.  The President joking about his own limitations with speaking Spanish said, “I'm very proud of this first White House town hall meeting conducted entirely in Spanish….except for my part…..I'm kind of messing up the whole thing!”

Re-Training Workers – Visit the Website Opportunity.Gov

Addressing the need for unemployed workers to find training for new jobs, the President described a woman who lost her job as a physician's receptionist, but kept afloat with unemployment benefits and used Pell Grants to become a registered nurse through a community college. Saying, “far too many Americans are denied that opportunity,” Obama gave the following example: “Say an unemployed factory worker wants to upgrade his skills to become a mechanic or a technician.  In many states, that worker might lose temporary financial support if he enrolls in a training program.  And to make matters worse, unemployment might mean he can't afford higher education, and he likely won't qualify for federal help simply because he may have made a decent salary a year ago, before he was laid off.”  He continued, “Well, that doesn't make much sense for our economy or our country.  So we're going to change it.  First, we'll open new doors to higher education and job training programs to recently laid-off workers who are receiving unemployment benefits.  And if those displaced workers need help paying for their education, they should get it -- and that's why the next step is to make it easier for them to receive Pell Grants.”

The President also discussed the role community colleges can play in retraining unemployed workers, encouraging people to “take advantage of one of America's underappreciated assets -- our community colleges.  These schools offer practical education and technical training, and they're increasingly important centers of learning where Americans can prepare for the jobs of the future.”

The President highlighted a new website for the unemployed, created by the Department of Education and the Department of Labor called opportunity.gov.

Reopening of Statue of Liberty’s Crown.

Following the firing of an aide who authorized an ill-advised flyover to take pictures of Air Force One with the Statue of Liberty as a backdrop, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the reopening of the exhibit’s crown on July 4^th.  (The crown has been closed since the 9-11 attacks). Access to the crown will be limited to 10 people at a time.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Sykes Socks-It-To-Them

This Sunday morning found Washington abuzz discussing comments made by comedian Wanda Sykes at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner the night before.  Some feigned shock and displeasure, while others thought Sykes’ pointed jabs, particularly those aimed at Rush Limbaugh and former Vice-President Dick Cheney, were right on target. During the routine, Sykes herself summed up the reaction to some of her jokes by saying: “You’re not laughing now, but you’ll be retelling this tomorrow!”

Showing that he too can crack a joke, the President got high marks for his humor and put to rest once and for all criticisms of his wife’s wardrobe, saying the First Lady “has a right to bare arms.”

Monday, May 11, 2009

Historic, Unprecedented Meeting to Address Healthcare

President Obama made a major step toward health care reform by bringing together all of the major players and getting them to agree to changes that can bring about savings of more than $2 trillion on health care costs. Representatives from hospitals, the insurance industry, medical device and pharmaceutical companies, labor and physicians came to the White House to discuss major steps to lower health care costs across the board.

The President, calling the first-of-its-kind meeting “remarkable,” explained the significance of having so many diverse stakeholders at the table:  “The groups who are here today represent different constituencies with different sets of interests. They've not always seen eye to eye with each other or with our government on what needs to be done to reform health care in this country. In fact, some of these groups were among the strongest critics of past plans for comprehensive reform…But what's brought us all together today is a recognition that we can't continue down the same dangerous road we've been traveling for so many years; that costs are out of control; and that reform is not a luxury that can be postponed, but a necessity that cannot wait.”

The President invoked the memory of his own mother’s challenges with the health care system—a point he made often during the campaign—by recalling:  “As I've mentioned before….my mother passed away from ovarian cancer a little over a decade ago. And in the last weeks of her life, when she was coming to grips with her own mortality and showing extraordinary courage just to get through each day, she was spending too much time worrying about whether her health insurance would cover her bills. So I know what it's like to see a loved one who is suffering, but also having to deal with a broken health care system. I know that pain is shared by millions of Americans all across this country.”

Week Fourteen

National Scene    4/29 – 5/4/09

By Linnie Frank Bailey

The Administration began the week with the confirmation of the President’s cabinet pick for the Department of Health and Human Services—former Kansas Governor, Kathleen Sebelius.  Sebelius was the last of Obama’s picks to be confirmed (by a vote of 65-31) and the new Secretary had to hit the ground running as the nation dealt with the swine flu pandemic.  The vote came after Democrats urged quick action so that Sebelius could get to work leading the federal response to the world-wide flu outbreak.  The week ended with reassurances that the flu was not as severe as first suggested. However, the Administration vowed to keep close tabs on the outbreak as it spread across the country.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

100^th Day celebrated in Missouri

President Obama marked the actual one hundredth day of his administration at a town hall meeting in Arnold, Missouri.  During a moment of retrospection, he recalled,  “Now, back in November, some folks were surprised that we showed up in Springfield at the end of our campaign.  But then again, some folks were surprised that we even started our campaign in the first place. They didn't give us much of a chance.  They didn't think we could do things differently.  They didn't know if this country was ready to move in a new direction.  But here's the thing -- my campaign wasn't born in Washington.  My campaign was rooted in neighborhoods just like this one, in towns and cities all across America; rooted in folks who work hard and look after their families and seek a brighter future for their children and for their communities and for their country.”

Obama’s Deal for Teachers

During his town hall in Missouri, Obama repeated a pledge he made during his campaign to improve the educational system.  Speaking of the challenges, Obama stated:  “The deal I've got to strike with teachers, though -- I may not get as much applause on this -- is I would like to work with teachers and the teachers unions, because I'm a union guy, but I do believe that it's important for the unions to work flexibly with school districts ….so that if you've got a really excellent teacher, after 15, 20 years, they can get paid a little bit more if they're doing a really good job.  And now the flip side -- I'm telling you, I'm getting to the point where I'm not going to get applause.  If you've got a bad teacher who can't -- after given all the support and the training that they need -- is just not performing up to snuff, we've got to find that person a new job.”

Monday, May 4, 2009

Ending Offshore Tax Havens

Addressing another campaign pledge, President Obama submitted a proposal to curb tax havens and end benefits for companies who create jobs overseas.  Instead, the Administration wants to provide incentives for businesses to create jobs in America. Describing his proposal as “restoring fairness and balance to our tax code,” Obama continued, “On the campaign, I used to talk about the outrage of a building in the Cayman Islands that had over 12,000 businesses claim this building as their headquarters. And I've said before, either this is the largest building in the world or the largest tax scam in the world,” Obama said. “And I think the American people know which it is.”

The Administration expects strong opposition from businesses that want to hold on to their tax loopholes. Their Congressional supporters may also provide opposition.  However, in announcing proposals aimed at overhauling the U.S. tax code, Obama complained that existing law makes it possible to “pay lower taxes if you create a job in Bangalore, India, than if you create one in Buffalo, N.Y.”

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

The Obamas each celebrated Cinco Del Mayo—the President with Mexican Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan at the White House—and the First Lady at D.C.’s Latin American Montessori Bilingual Public Charter School, a small institution serving 145 pre-school through fourth grade students. “Feliz Cuatro de Mayo!” said Michelle Obama as she greeted her audience and enjoyed student performances of folk dances from El Salvador, Colombia and Mexico. The students were dressed in colorful, native costumes. “Que fantastico!” Mrs. Obama exclaimed after the performances.